How To Clean Your Cast Iron Pan like a Pro
Now that you’ve invested in a cast iron pan you might have seasoned it perfectly and began to use it in your everyday cooking efforts. Yet, even though you know you’ve made a smart purchase, you might be dreading cleaning the thing.
For those who might be wondering about the best ways to wash these kitchen mainstays, it’s important to get off on the right foot with your new pan.
Take proper care of your new purchase. Read on for a few tips on how to clean a cast iron pan that will help ensure that you protect your investment for years to come.
How Often Should I Clean My Cast Iron Pan?
One appealing selling point for cast iron skillets is the fact that you don’t have to clean them after each use (that is, if you do not wish to) like you would with other pans. Cast iron pans will last you a lifetime with minimum upkeep.
But you will need to clean your cast iron pan. Cleaning your pan every 2-3 uses is a good measure to take in order to keep food tasting as fresh as possible and in order to avoid gunk build-up.
How to Clean a Cast Iron Pan
When it’s time to clean cast iron, it’s important to follow the right steps in order to avoid rust build-up and other problems with your pan.
If you’re ready to clean your cast iron skillet, make sure that you do so right after you use it. Clean with hot water and your soap of choice, if you choose. Use a heavy-duty sponge or a stiff scrub brush, scrubbing away any residue. Dry your cast iron pan by hand and give it an oil treatment after it’s dry — use olive oil, vegetable oil, or shortening, whatever your preference may be. Optional: place your cast iron pan in the oven for a few minutes at 250 degrees or so (however, this step is not necessarily required).
If you have any rust building up on your pan, it’s important to scrub away with a steel wool brush. Make sure to clean and season the inside and outside of the pan often.
Pro Tools for Cast Iron Cleaning
Having a decent spot to store your cast iron is a great idea and having a few necessary tools to make sure you clean cast iron and season your pan correctly will help you enjoy your cast iron pan for the rest of your days.
A chainmail scrubber will make you feel pretty official, not to mention will help make cast iron cleanup supremely quick and easy. You’ll be able to clean up the worst messes in seconds — that way there is no accompanying dread that occurs when you use conventional methods to solve the “How to clean a cast iron pan” problem. Don’t be scared, using a chainmail scrubber will not scratch your cast iron pan. Chainmail scrubbers also come in dishwasher-safe varieties.
Now that you’ve invested in a cast iron pan and know how to clean cast iron, it’s time to get cooking and start making some chef’s kiss-worthy creations in the kitchen. Enjoy!